Aim. To assess the level of awareness of pupils (grades 9-10) of secondary schools in Karaganda city regarding rational nutrition.Materials and methods. As a part of a cross-sectional study, the level of awareness of pupils (grades 9-10) of secondary schools in Karaganda city regarding rational nutrition was assessed using the active questionnaire survey. 400 students aged 14-15 took part in the survey. Before the questionnaire survey, the respondents were informed about the research objectives, and the confidentiality and anonymity of the answers were guaranteed. Statistical data processing was performed using Microsoft Office Excel 2007 software.Results and discussion. The analysis of the survey results demonstrated the insufficient level of knowledge among students regarding rational nutrition. Only 43% pupils were able to correctly answer the question of which substances are the main source of energy in the body. 56% pupils demonstrated knowledge about the plastic role of proteins in the human body. Only 14% pupils new the «alimentary-dependent diseases» concept. The majority of respondents associated rational nutrition only with the prevention of obesity, diabetes and anorexia.So, 23.3% respondents believed that less than 400 grams of vegetables and fruits are enough in the daily diet, 17.8% believed that only vegetables should be in the daily diet, since fruits contribute to weight gain and have a harmful effect on health. 88% pupils were convinced that gluten «glues blood vessels and intestines», promotes weight gain and the development of inflammatory processes. 68.5% respondents believed that washing down food with liquid is harmful, as liquid can «dilute» gastric juice and disrupt the digestion of food. 59.5% pupils adhere to the myth of the dangers of eating after 18:00.Conclusions. The results of the study demonstrate a low level of awareness among schoolchildren regarding rational nutrition, which can lead to the formation of irrational eating behavior in them and, as a result, a prerequisite for the development of alimentary-dependent diseases. It is necessary to develop and implement educational programs aimed at improving the level of literacy of adolescents in matters of healthy nutrition. This will reduce the risks associated with the occurrence of functional disorders and diseases in the future.

Introduction. The relevant direction of studying the physical development of children and adolescents is the study of the dynamics of changes anthropometric indices from generation to generation. Systematic monitoring of regular indices in different regions is necessary. Material and methods. A one-step study of anthropometric indices of 2990 healthy boys of East Kazakhstan aged from 6 to 17 years was carried out in 2016. Children were clustered into age groups and ethnicity according to the principles of anthropology. The research of anthropometric indices was performed according to generally accepted methods in the morning. The chest circumference was measured during the pause period. The values of anthropometric indices of schoolchildren in 2016 were compared with the values of similar indices of children in 1986. Microsoft Office Excel 2007 was used to statistically process the data. Results. In modern boys of the Kazakh nationality there is a harmonization of growth and weight indices. The maximum weight gain and chest circumference increase occurs at the same time as the “growth jump,” while 1986 schoolchildren had an average annual body weight gain one year late after the start of the rapid growth period. In Russian boys born in 1986 the maximum weight gain is established at 14 years, and in modern children - at the age of 13 years. Conclusions. A comparative analysis of the multi-year dynamics of children’s anthropometric indices revealed acceleration trends reliably confirmed by the higher values of these indices in modern boys compared to their 1986 peers.There have been established national characteristics in the physical development of boys.

This study analyzes ten-year trends in the incidence of iron-deficiency anemia (IDA), diabetes mellitus (DM), and endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic disorders (ENMDs) among children and adolescents (0–17 years) in urban areas of Kazakhstan, considering socio-economic influences. A retrospective analysis of national data from 2013 to 2023 was conducted using linear regression to assess temporal trends and associations with health and economic indicators. Nationally, IDA incidence declined significantly: –278.4 cases per 100,000 among children aged 0–14 and –305.4 among adolescents aged 15–17 (both p < 0.001). ENMD incidence also decreased, particularly among adolescents (–154.0 per 100,000; p < 0.001). A 1000 KZT increase in household food expenditures was associated with a reduction in IDA incidence by 203–216 cases per 100,000 (p < 0.001), emphasizing the importance of accessible, nutritious diets. In contrast, DM incidence among adolescents rose by 1.7 cases annually per 100,000 (p < 0.05), possibly reflecting urbanization, lifestyle changes, and increasing obesity. DM and ENMD rates were significantly linked to consumption expenditures, pediatric bed availability, and endocrinologist density. These findings underscore the need for integrated, equity-focused prevention and improved healthcare access for children and adolescents amid ongoing demographic and nutritional transitions.

Introduction. The relevant direction of studying the physical development of children and adolescents is the study of the dynamics of changes anthropometric indices from generation to generation. Systematic monitoring of regular indices in different regions is necessary. Material and methods. A one-step study of anthropometric indices of 2990 healthy boys of East Kazakhstan aged from 6 to 17 years was carried out in 2016. Children were clustered into age groups and ethnicity according to the principles of anthropology. The research of anthropometric indices was performed according to generally accepted methods in the morning. The chest circumference was measured during the pause period. The values of anthropometric indices of schoolchildren in 2016 were compared with the values of similar indices of children in 1986. Microsoft Office Excel 2007 was used to statistically process the data. Results. In modern boys of the Kazakh nationality there is a harmonization of growth and weight indices. The maximum weight gain and chest circumference increase occurs at the same time as the “growth jump,” while 1986 schoolchildren had an average annual body weight gain one year late after the start of the rapid growth period. In Russian boys born in 1986 the maximum weight gain is established at 14 years, and in modern children - at the age of 13 years. Conclusions. A comparative analysis of the multi-year dynamics of children’s anthropometric indices revealed acceleration trends reliably confirmed by the higher values of these indices in modern boys compared to their 1986 peers.There have been established national characteristics in the physical development of boys.

Background/Objectives: Schools, as structured social environments, are important settings for shaping lifelong eating habits, and teachers play a mediating role in nutrition education. This study aimed to assess nutrition knowledge among public school teachers, examine their perceptions of the school food environment, and identify factors associated with knowledge scores. Methods: A stratified cross-sectional survey was conducted among 736 teachers from 12 public schools during the fall of 2025. A structured questionnaire based on the Knowledge–Attitudes–Practice model was used to evaluate nutrition knowledge, teaching practices, perceived school food environment, and teachers’ observations of student food-related behaviors. Group differences were examined using t-tests and ANOVA, and multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify factors associated with low nutrition knowledge. Results: The mean knowledge score was 6.26 ± 2.64 out of 12, with 23.6% of teachers classified as having low knowledge, 59.9% satisfactory, and 16.4% good. Primary school teachers scored significantly higher than subject teachers (7.27 vs. 5.64; p < 0.001). Regular conduct of nutrition classes was associated with lower odds of low knowledge (adjusted OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.05–0.23, p < 0.001). A sensitivity analysis using continuous knowledge scores confirmed this pattern, with the absence of nutrition teaching predicting a 1.40-point reduction in scores (95% CI −1.86 to −0.94, p < 0.001). Teachers rated school meal quality moderately high, and frequently observed student refusal of canteen food and purchase of sweets or fast food outside school. Conclusions: This study found that public school teachers in Karaganda, Kazakhstan showed satisfactory overall nutrition knowledge, with gaps in applied understanding and common dietary myths. Primary teachers and those actively teaching nutrition had higher knowledge scores, indicating an association between pedagogical engagement and content knowledge. To help optimize the school food environment, educational policies would benefit from the development of cross-curricular instructional materials fitted specifically for secondary school subject teachers.

Aim. To analyze current scientific publications addressing the impact of urbanization-related factors on the dietary patterns and eating behaviors of school-aged children, in order to identify key nutritional risks, regional disparities, and justify directions for future interdisciplinary research aimed at optimizing child nutrition in urban environments. Materials and Methods. A systematic review of scientific literature published between 2020 and 2025 was conducted using databases of peer-reviewed publications, including eLIBRARY.ru, CyberLeninka, PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science. Search terms and their combinations included: «school-aged children», «eating behavior», «dietary habits», «sugar-sweetened beverages», «nutrition hygiene», «urban environment», «urbanization», «ultraprocessed foods», «fast food», and «nutritional assessment». The search was limited to sources from peer-reviewed journals, including those officially recommended by national scientific accreditation bodies, as well as internationally indexed journals. Results. The review revealed that urbanization exerts a multifaceted and predominantly adverse influence on children's eating behavior. There is a consistent trend toward reduced intake of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and dairy products, accompanied by increased consumption of fast food, sugar-sweetened beverages, and ultra-processed foods. Numerous studies highlight widespread micronutrient deficiencies among children living in urban settings, which negatively affect their health status. A significant association was established between a family’s socioeconomic status and the quality of children’s diets. Conclusion. The findings underscore the relevance of a comprehensive hygienic assessment of schoolchildren’s nutrition in urban settings. Educational institutions and the broader social environment can serve as key platforms for implementing preventive and educational interventions aimed at promoting sustainable healthy eating habits among children.